AirAsia X places firm order for 55 A330neo

AirAsiaX announced on 15th December that it has placed a firm order with Airbus for 55 A330neo aircraft. The order which confirms the MoU signed at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2014 for 50 A330neo adds an additional five aircraft making this the largest single call for the best-selling A330 Family. The order cements the AirAsia X position as the largest A330 airline customer worldwide and deliveries will begin in 2018.

In a statement released by AirAsia X, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Co-Founder and Director of AirAsia X says “This latest deal with Airbus will enable AirAsia X to consolidate its growth rate in 2015-2017 before ramping up deliveries with the new A330neo models with the latest Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engine option series from 2018 onwards.”

He added that “The A330 has proven itself to be exactly the right aircraft for our business model as part of our continuous efforts to drive cost down. With the new fuel efficiency its engine will allow us to optimize utilization whilst flying to new long range destinations. We are extremely excited with the new orders of A330neos, which reaffirms my commitment to leading AirAsia X to the next stage of growth and achieving the same level of success as our short haul airline. The symbiotic relationship between the short haul and long haul businesses will definitely play a key role in enabling AirAsia X to maintain its position as the long haul low cost leader.”

Following on from this, Airbus Customers COO John Leahy commented “This order from AirAsia X is a major endorsement of the A330neo as the most cost-efficient aircraft in its size category. With the A330neo in its fleet, AirAsia X will benefit from even lower operating costs as it expands it network and reach, enabling more people to fly further more often than ever before.”

AirAsia X will benefit from reduced operating costs for long haul services as the A330neo will incorporate latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, aerodynamic enhancements and new cabin features. These advances will make the aircraft the most cost-efficient in its size category, with a reduction in fuel consumption of 14% per seat, an increase in non-stop flying range of up to 400 nautical miles and the lowest possible maintenance costs.

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